# VR Smoke School

> VR Smoke School is an EPA-approved online alternative to traditional in-person smoke school, allowing users to earn EPA Method 9 certification virtually using a VR headset. The program is free to use; users only pay $250 when they pass the visual test on an approved VR headset. It is backed by 50+ years of smoke school training experience and co-authored ALT-152 with the USEPA.

## Key Information

- **Website**: https://vrsmokeschool.com/
- **Dashboard / Register**: https://dashboard.vrsmokeschool.com/register
- **Contact**: info@vrsmokeschool.com
- **EPA Approval**: Approved under ALT-152 (replaces in-person smoke school with a virtual smoke school)
- **Certification validity**: 6 months (same as in-person smoke school)
- **Company location**: Midwest, USA

## How It Works

1. **Sign up for a free account** – Instant access, no credit card required.
2. **Review the free online lecture** – Covers EPA Method 9, Method 22, Methods 203a–c, and alternative test methods. Includes videos, images, and quizzes. Required once before initial certification.
3. **Take the virtual smoke school test** – Available on any computer (practice only) or approved VR headset (for certification). Unlimited attempts. Test duration: 15–30 minutes; 90-minute time limit.
4. **Pay when you pass ($250)** – Only pay to unlock your certificate after passing on an approved VR headset.
5. **Recertify every 6 months** – Retake the visual test; lecture review only required once.

## Pricing

| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online lecture | Free |
| Unlimited practice & testing | Free |
| EPA Method 9 certification (upon passing) | $250 |

No subscription, no hidden fees.

## Requirements

- **VR headset**: Required only for certification (not for practice). Approved models: Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S. Prices range from $250–$500. One headset can be shared by unlimited users.
- **Internet speed**: At least 25 Mbps recommended.
- **Browser**: Meta browser must be used on the VR headset.

## Benefits Over In-Person Smoke School

- Certify anytime, any day of the week
- Certify from anywhere with internet access
- No travel costs, no weather delays
- Lower total cost (estimated true cost: $325 vs. $750 for in-person)
- Studies show higher accuracy compared to in-person training
- Private test environment; unlimited retakes
- Consistent video-based smoke plumes (no environmental variability)
- Better for the environment (eliminates in-person smoke emissions)

## Regulatory Scope

- **Federally-regulated sources**: Fully approved under ALT-152.
- **State-regulated sources**: Most states accept VR Smoke School certification. State authorization status varies.
- **State status page**: https://vrsmokeschool.com/state-status/

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://vrsmokeschool.com/)
- [How It Works / Process](https://vrsmokeschool.com/process/)
- [EPA Method 9 Overview](https://vrsmokeschool.com/epa-method-9/)
- [State Authorization Status](https://vrsmokeschool.com/state-status/)
- [News](https://vrsmokeschool.com/news/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://vrsmokeschool.com/privacy-policy/)
- [EPA Approval Letter (PDF)](https://vrsmokeschool.com/vrsmokeschool-approval-lettervrsmokeschool-approval-letter.Bd4H7l9v.pdf)

## FAQs Summary

- **Does each user need a headset?** No. One headset can be shared by unlimited users.
- **What if I fail?** Retake anytime (wait 30 minutes between attempts).
- **How long is certification valid?** 6 months.
- **How do I recertify?** Retake the visual test on an approved headset and purchase a new certificate.
- **Is the lecture required every time?** No. Only once before initial certification (review every 3 years recommended).
- **What does the lecture cover?** EPA Method 9, Method 22, Methods 203a–c, and alternative methods.